CCAC SELF-DEFENSE CLUB

PHILIP AMERIS: THE BEST OF THE BEST 

One bitterly cold evening, four or five years ago, I was feeling energetic and curious.  I had recently seen a new Martial Arts school down the street from where I lived. It was called CHO'S TAE KWON DO. At this time I was arrogant and somewhat cocky, and had little respect for classical Karate.  Still, I wanted to have a look and a laugh.

No sooner had I opened the door to the small dojo when my trained, skeptical eyes fell-upon the most BREATH-TAKING, UNBELIEVABLE, and AWESOME display of POWER and CONTROL that I had ever seen!  My mouth dropped as Mr. Ameris threw technique after technique with the PRECISION of a surgeon, and with FORCE capable of bursting a heavy bag. It was a display the likes of which I had never seen or imagined before, or since (that is by anyone else, except Mr. Ameris, and his instructor: Grand Master Hee Il Cho). With every ounce of sincerity in my being, I told Mr. Ameris that he was the greatest kicker I had ever seen!  He replied, "Thanks, I'm Philip."

Later, I would realize that Philip was also the greatest all-around Martial Artist that I had ever seen. This was the beginning of my experience with Philip a TRUE MASTER.

I began training with Philip as soon as possible, and I intend to continue training with Mr. Ameris for as long as possible. Philip has taught me much over the years, such as, leading by example. His work ethic borders on fanaticism.  His skill is beyond reproach.  His demeanor, however; is most awe-inspiring. Mr. Ameris never has a derogatory word to say of anyone. He treats everyone from white-belt to black-belt with courtesy and respect.  Mr. Ameris exudes with confidence, NOT cockiness. Ego is something that is quite hard to find in Mr. Ameris. By following his example, I am proud to say, I have been able to lose my ego, I feel that this has been my greatest accomplishment in Martial Arts.  Philip, simply by example, has taught me that egos, attitudes, and cockiness have no place in the Martial Arts. If you feel confident with your ability there will be no need for-such futile endeavors.  In fact, through Mr. Ameris, I have had the HONOR and PRIVILEGE of meeting such world-renown Martial Artists as Grand Master Hee II Cho, and Bart Vale. Grand Master Cho is a great innovator and the highest ranking Tae Kwon Do stylist in the world, and Bart Vale is a big man with a big heart and the World Champion of Shoot-Fighting.  My point is that neither Master Cho nor Mr. Vale exhibited any rude or cocky behavior toward myself, nor anyone else at these seminars. Contrasting these great martial artists with some of my other instructors and acquaintances in Martial Arts, shows that it is only the insecure and less-­skilled who wield great egos and attitudes.

Mr. Ameris is an instructor who truly cares for the well-being of his dedicated students. In turn, his dedicated students truly care for him.

Having been around Martial Arts for over a decade, I have met some true and many so-called "Masters".  You know who I mean, the people who run around with MASTER printed all-over their flashy gis.  The people who introduce themselves as "Master Kill You".  Well, it has been my experience that these people are usually not worth considering and out to take your money.  Mr. Ameris introduced himself as "Philip", and that is what I call him to this day. Yet, if he is not a TRUE MASTER OF THE MARTIAL ARTS, no one ever was and no one ever will be.

Mr. Ameris has shown me that it is not the style that matters, only the practitioner. I will forever strive to be worthy of his friendship and instruction,

 “THOSE WHO HESITATE, MEDITATE...HORIZONTALLY.” – Master Philip Ameris